4(a) $3,500,000 TF

John Strohkirch

DNR

Box 39, 500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651/296-8289

Fax: 651/297-1157

This project includes the major rehabilitation and development of state park and recreation area buildings, structures and utility systems and the rehabilitation and betterment of non-building facilities such as trails, roads, campgrounds and resources. This also includes the acquisition of lands within the boundaries of state park and recreation areas from willing sellers.

Results of this appropriation to date include:

1. Acquisition of over 1000 acres of land within legislatively authorized state park boundaries.

2. Replacement of the Old Mill State Park contact station.

3. Construction of a new visitor center at Lake Bronson State Park

4. Restoration of a sewer system in Gooseberry State Park.

5. Rehabilitation of a road within Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Arne Stefferud

Metropolitan Council

Mears Park Centre,

230 E. Fifth

St. St. Paul MN 55101-1634

Phone:651/602-1360

Fax: 651/291-6550

E-mail: arne.stefferud@metc.state.mn.us

This appropriation finances the acquisition of approximately 90-150 acres of land for the Metropolitan Regional Park System. Portions of two regional parks will be redeveloped, while portions of three regional parks, one park reserve, and one regional trail will be developed. Results of this program are pending completion of the project.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

This project accelerates the Local Initiatives Grants Program at the DNR. Every year the Department of Natural Resources solicits grant proposals from local governments for local parks, natural and scenic areas and cooperative trail projects. The Conservation Partners and the Environmental partners grant programs provide small grants to private organizations for fish and wildlife or native plant habitat related projects. Project proposals for all of these programs are evaluated and ranked on a competitive basis, with grants being awarded to the highest-ranking projects.

Six distinct grant programs provide matching grants to local governments and/or private organizations for acquisition, development, renovation, enhancement, research and education associated with parks and trails, natural and scenic areas, natural habitat, and other environmental projects. These programs are: 1) local park grant program (21 projects, $600,000); 2) natural and scenic area grant program (7 projects, $600,000); 3) cooperative trail grant program (5 projects, $200,000); 4) conservation partners grant program (63 projects, $600,000); 5) environmental partnerships grant program (33 projects, $200,000); and 6) regional trail initiative grant program (3 projects, $700,000).

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00.

This study provides various tools for planners, policy makers and elected officials to evaluate trail projects. It has 1) documented the size, distribution, potential for growth, desires and needs of Minnesota’s motorized and non-motorized trail users, and present status of Minnesota’s abandoned railroad grades, and has 2) produced a statewide inventory and map of long-distance off-road trails as well as an integrated inventory of current local, regional and federal trail proposals. The study has produced a database containing 287 records of abandoned railway lines with 193 (3936 miles) being mapped in GIS coverage. A total of 18,846 miles of trails have been mapped so far by GIS with 972 records providing information on each trail. This final report has been distributed statewide to trail advocacy groups, local government units, legislators, select state and federal offices, and others concerned with the development of trails.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Historic Sites Dept.

MN Historical Society

Fort Snelling History Center

St. Paul, MN 55111

Jon Ridge

Hostelling International

125 SE Main St, #235

Minneapolis, MN 55414

The goal of this project is to provide for a complete evaluation of buildings in the Upper Bluff Area at Fort Snelling State Park, identify one building for an AYH hostel, create the design and construction documents for future renovation and identify future cooperators for development of other buildings and property. Infrastructure analysis and a general environmental assessment of the site’s 28 buildings were completed in 1998. Thirty organizations and individuals with interests in the site have been interviewed to arrive at a recommendation for reuse. A building adjacent to Fort Snelling was selected for hostel use and a predesign study with environmental assessment has been completed. Agreements have been made to transfer remaining LCMR funds to the Minnesota Historical Society which will encumber responsibilities for the AYH portion of the project.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Britta Bloomberg

MN Historical Society

345 Kellogg Blvd. W.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:651/296-5471

Fax:651/282-2374

E-mail: britta.bloomberg@mnhs.org

Results located at web address: http://www.mnhs.org

This project surveyed and documented two areas with historic agricultural landscapes within the St. Cloud-Twin Cities-Rochester growth corridor, developed a management plan for protection of these landscapes, and conducted workshops with local and state land use planning agencies to explore ways to implement the plan. Four areas in the corridor were surveyed and one area along the Cannon River was evaluated as potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. A registration form with 193 sources was completed for the Nansen Agricultural Historic District and integrated into the SHPO statewide inventory. Digital data layers were prepared for use in future GIS analysis of the project area. Workshops and open houses attracted 170 citizens and resulted in two planning documents with recommendations for educational, incentive, and management actions for the Nansen area and planning for historic landscape statewide.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project provided quantitative and qualitative data about environmental conditions at the Jeffers Petroglyphs site (a state historic site located in Cottonwood County) and finish the restoration of native prairie at the site. An assessment of the site has been completed detailing the existing conditions. The need for an environmental monitoring system was established in 1997. The foundation for an environmental monitoring station has been completed and trails and boardwalks have been installed to limit damage by visitors. A prairie survey has been completed and the initial stages of restoration have begun.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Wayne Cavadini

MN Historical Society

345 Kellogg Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651/297-7451

Fax: 651/297-3343

E-mail: wayne.cavadini@mnhs.org

Birch Coulee is the site of a major battle in the United States-Dakota Conflict of 1862, resulting in approximately 60 casualties. The project improved public access to and interpretation of this state historic site. Improvements include ¾ to 1 mile of interpretive trails, an interpretive kiosk and thirteen interpretive markers, a picnic area, portable restrooms, and water availability. The site was regraded to remove contemporary trails and restore the site to the condition it was in during the time of the battle. These improvements will serve the approximately 3000 people who visit the site yearly.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Raymon Nyberg

White Oak Society, Inc

33155 State Highway 6

Deer River MN 56636-0306

Phone:(218) 246-9393 t

Fax:(218) 246-9393

E-mail: whiteoak@paulbunyan.net

Results located at web address: http://www.whiteoak.org

This project utilized the reconstructed White Oak historical site (a historic representation of an 18^th century fur trading post located near Deer River) as the location for an educational facility that fosters learning about environmental issues within ongoing multi-cultural, historical and social contexts. The project produced a curriculum and guide incorporating a wide mix of components for use in a variety of educational programs and settings. The project provided educational programming to nearly 2500 K-12 students through a one-day program. Emphasis was also placed on other mixed age (youth-adult) programs (on- and off-site) that served 3,300 persons. The curriculum was given to the Minnesota Department of Families, Education, and Children for use in other educational programs.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project entailed the construction of a historical museum and heritage center adjacent to an historic gold mine and fur post site on the Bois Forte Reservation at Lake Vermilion, near Tower, Minnesota. The museum will be a focal point for interpretation and education about the history and culture of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians, with special attention to the historical interaction of the Indians and non-Indians in northern Minnesota. This project will positively contribute to the development of northeastern Minnesota as a tourist destination. This museum will be a primary feature attraction of a Heritage Tourism Route called "the Old Road", that is being developed by various partners in Minnesota and Ontario.

The project has also led to the development of a model of cooperation between a tribal government (Bois Forte) and a non-Indian organization (the St. Louis County Historical Society). The building itself encompasses approximately 6,241 square feet of exhibit and public space on the main level, and an additional 6,241 square feet of storage, research, and meeting space on a lower level. The building will house 11 distinct exhibit areas and an art gallery which will feature Native American art.

Information about the museum, the exhibits, and any research related to the adjacent historic sites will be made available on the Internet. This will provide a much greater level of access to these historical resources. A web site has not been established yet, but will be after the museum opens to the public. The museum will be open to the public and will provide educational opportunities to school groups, tourists, neighboring communities, and the Bois Forte people.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/01

5(g ) $60,000 FRF

Nonstate Match $30,000

Norman Deschampe, Chair

Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council

Terri Port Wright

Executive Director, Sugarloaf Interpretive Center Association

244 Marks Road

Esko, MN 55733

Phone: (218) 879-4334

Fax: (218) 879-4371

e-mail: sugarloaf@qwest.net

Web address:  http://www.nrri.umn.edu/cwe/gis/pastproj/sugar/sugarloaf.html

This project provided an in-depth interpretive study of the day-to-day lives and practices of Native Americans on the North Shore of Lake Superior prior to European settlement. Three products resulted from the project:

• A summary brochure highlighting the stories revealed in the oral history interviews.
• An annotated bibliography that identifies the primary sources on the Grand Portage Band.
• A book that includes approximately 175 stories from 30 elders about the Grand Portage Band history.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This study builds on a project funded during FY96 and FY97 (ML95 Chap. 220 Sec. 19 Subd. 5(k)). It will test and demonstrate feasible and effective alternative Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS) that 1) reduce nitrogen to acceptable levels, 2) adequately treat sewage above seasonally high water tables, and 3) remove pathogens. Assay procedures have been developed and seven field-scale experiments (near Duluth and Mankato) have been carried out to investigate the efficiency of ISTSs in removing pathogenic bacteria from outflows. Wetlands were found to remove over 99.6% of culturable Salmonella within 40 days during the summer with diminished results during winter months. Peat filters were found to be the most effective in removing Salmonella followed by sand filters and constructed wetlands. Methodologies for monitoring virus removal are currently under development. An additional bienium of funding began in FY 00. Laws 1999, Chapter 231, Section 16, Subd. 6(a) On-site Sewage Treatment Alternatives- Performance, Outreach and Demonstration –Continuation.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $50,000

Bruce Montgomery

MN Dept of Agriculture

90 W. Plato Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651/297-7178

Fax:651/297-2271

E-mail: bruce.montgomery@state.mn.us

Results located at web address: http://www.mda.state.mn.us

This project accelerated knowledge of nitrate levels in private drinking water supplies through development of water testing clinics and education programs for rural well owners. Over 14,000 drinking water samples have been tested and 254 clinics conducted throughout the state under the program. Approximately 10% of the samples tested were found to exceed the drinking water standard of 10 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen. A voluntary survey (8000 respondents) was used to collect information on the characteristics of wells, distances from point and non-point sources, water treatment, and water-testing history. Approximately 15% of the sand point wells, 35% of all hand dug wells, and 8% of drilled wells exceeded the standard. Age of well also correlated with higher nitrate levels with wells aged 0-10, 11-20, 21-50, and older than 50 years being 6, 8, 12, and 26% above the standard respectively.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Lynda Peterson

Snake River Watershed Management Board

214 NW Railroad Ave.

Mora, MN 55051

Phone: 320/679-3982

Fax: 320/679-4692

Results located at web address: http://www.Lap@mn.nrcs.usda.gov

This project accelerated the implementation of action items of the 1996 Snake River Watershed Management Plan, to apply Best Management Practices (BMP), and to facilitate decision making which affects water quality through utilization of the Snake River Watershed Management Board (SNWMB) Geographic Information System (GIS). Two sets of weight scales were purchased to assist farmers in measuring the amount of manure that they are applying to fields in order to reduce the amount of excess nutrients entering lakes and streams. A ten year long surface water-monitoring program was instituted to complement project implementation efforts with a long-term database. Funding was provided for the protection of 4125 feet of streambank and lakeshore on high priority lakes and rivers. Funding was also provided for pollution abatement systems with reported improvements in one feedlot located along a high priority creek within the watershed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project was designed to determine the role of Minnesota watershed districts in addressing water quality issues, address water quality issues in areas where there are no organized watershed districts, and promote watershed identity and water quality training to the citizens of Minnesota. Three voluntary watershed organizations were found to be more effective than watershed management organizations in managing water quality. All successful organizations had common characteristics including infrastructure, access to water quality information and monitoring, and interest in citizen participation. Recommendations include building on the existing organizations, making the most of state and local-empowered organizations, utilizing voluntary organizations, and periodic evaluation of watershed effectiveness organizations. This program has resulted in the production of reports available on the MN Association of Watershed Districts (MAWD) website and at all watershed organizations and MAWD offices. A video on starting watershed organizations was produced as well as two training sessions on watershed evaluation in 1998 and 1999.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nolan Baratono

MPCA

520 Lafayettte Rd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651/296-7359

Fax: 651/297-8683

E-mail: Nolan.Baratono@state.mn.us

Results located at web address: http://www.pca.state.mn.us

This project was designed to promote local action and interagency cooperation to develop holistic land and water management strategies in the Red River Basin. A basin-wide planning organization was created representing international, federal, state, provincial, and local interests in the basin. A sediment source study was initiated in conjunction with the USGS and University of Minnesota to develop research methodologies appropriate to the Basin. Lab work studying the sources of sediment and sediment transfer in the Wild Rice River was initiated. Minnesota agency coordination was enhanced through the formation of a Basin Interagency Team (BWSR, DNR, MDH, and PCA), assistance with Flood Damage Reduction Mediation, and development of a water quality plan for the Minnesota portion of the Basin.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

George Orning

CURA,

U of M

30 HHH Center, 301 - 19th Ave. S.

Minneapolis MN 55455

Phone: 612/625-0081

Fax: 612/626-0273

E-mail: prolake@uslink.com

Results located at web address: http://www.mnlakesassn.org

This project was instituted to sustain lake resources through the development of an inexpensive and easily transferable comprehensive lake planning process. Five pilot lakes have been selected throughout the state and a draft lake management plan outline has been developed. The plan calls for data collection and analysis in the areas of physical resources and user patterns and desires. To this end, GIS databases for the five lakes have been developed and a survey instrument for each lake has been completed and sent out to shoreland residents. To facilitate the training of Lake Association Representatives, a lake education guidebook and an online bibliography of lake management and planning resources have been developed (www.mnlake.org) . A lake advocate work group has been formed and has designed a shoreland volunteer program. Program assessment has been conducted by a consultant. Results of the assessment are being used to plan a series of education programs.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $150,000

Jeff Lee

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

3800 Bryant Ave. S.

Minneapolis MN 55409-1029

Phone: 612/370-4900

Fax: 612/370-4831

E-mail: jefftlee@juno.com

Shoreline areas of Lakes Calhoun, Harriet, Isles and Cedar that have been severely impacted by heavy visitor use or erosion have been restored so as to permit continued recreational use while mitigating negative environmental impacts. Shoreline restoration work on Lakes Harriet and Calhoun has been completed with 1315 and 2300 lineal feet being restored respectively. Site preparation work has been initiated for Lake of the Isles with planting being completed at three different sites. Site survey work has been completed for Cedar Lake.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Edward Swain

MPCA

520 Lafayette Rd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651/296-7800

Fax: 651/297-8701

E-mail: edward.swain@pca.state.mn.us

RESEARCH PROJECT

This project documents geographic and historic trends in a) lake eutrophication and b) inputs of toxic metals and organic pollutants. Fifty-five lakes have been sampled to accurately characterize trophic status, to provide a status model, and allow for the interpretation of landuse data and fish contamination patterns. These lakes have been cored and analyzed for metals and organic pollutants. Maps of land use patterns, non-point sources watershed sources, of pollutants and atmospheric deposition of pollutants have been prepared.

Scientific papers published as a result of this project:

Report 1- Twentieth century water quality trends in MN lakes compared with presettlement variability

Report 2 - The application of a diatom-based transfer function to evaluate regional water-quality trends in MN since 1970

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

David Ragsdale

University of MN

219 Hodson Hall,

1980 Folwell Ave.

St. Paul MN 55108

Phone: 612/624-3636

Fax: 612/625-5299

E-mail: ragsd001@maroon.tc.umn.edu

Results located at web address: http://www.mes.umn.edu/~vegipm/ragslab/ragsbio.htm

RESEARCH PROJECT

The goal of this research was to reduce reliance upon chemical control of key pest species in agricultural production systems by developing biologically based methods of pest control. Several parasites of filth flies have been identified and are being investigated as potential candidates for pest control. Research on the interference of potato fungicides with parasitic fungi that kill aphids has shown that all commonly used fungicides adversely impact several species of beneficial fungi. Genetically engineered cover crops are being developed that will act in suppressing weed growth but can be eliminated through application of a non-toxic chemical. In addition, the application of a bacteria-derived chemical (Spinosad) was found to be effective in controlling three species of caterpillar and the cabbage looper that are pests in cabbage. In addition, application of Spinosad at half the maximal rate was effective in larval pest control while still conserving more beneficial insect predators and parasites.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Linda Kinkel

University of MN

495 Borlaugh Hall,

1991 Upper Buford Cir.

St. Paul MN 55108

Phone: (612)625-0277

Fax: (612)625-9728

E-mail: lindak@puccini.crl.umn.edu

RESEARCH PROJECT

This project determined the utility of novel, non-pesticidal management strategies for diverse crops in Minnesota. Three plant species, when planted as green manure crops, showed potential to enhance natural soil suppression of pathogens by enrichment of indigenous pathogen antagonists. Organic mulching methods in strawberries were found to have detrimental effects on disease management while manipulation of dike vegetation was found to be effective in managing diseases of wild rice. Screening of 2000 bacterial isolates found no species to be effective in inhibiting soybean cyst nematodes.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Helene Murray

University of MN

411 Borlaug Hall

St. Paul MN 55108

Phone: (612)625-0220

Fax: (612)625-1268

E-mail: murra021@tc.umn.edu

Web Address: http://www.misa.umn.edu

This project provides a comprehensive program of complementary on-farm and experiment station research, demonstration, and educational activities to examine economic and environmental effects of sustainable farming systems to Minnesota farmers. A partnership of farmers, researchers, land owners, private sector representatives, agency personel, community members, and non-profit organizations has been developed that has planned, implemented, and delivered cooperative research and demonstration projects on sustainable farming systems in the southeast, southwest and west central regions of Minnesota. Runoff and erosion samples have been collected at eight project locations and analyzed for sediment and nutrient content. Results will be used to estimate the environmental impacts of individual sites. Economic indicators have been developed to assess the economic benefits of conservation land practices. Forty-seven outreach events have impacted nearly 2500 farmers and agricultural professionals.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Peter Buesseler

MN DNR, SNA program

1221 E. Fir Ave.

Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Phone: (218) 739-7497

Fax: (218) 739-7601

This appropriation has provided a cooperative project for an aggregate resource inventory on public lands, prairie restoration and research, and stewardship plans for management options. As of June 1999, a total of 23 workshops, demonstration projects, community education activities, and training opportunities were held to improve grassland ecosystem stewardship activities in the Glacial Lake Agassiz Interbeach Area. Information resources have been developed in the form of displays, books, and other educational materials. A biomass/energy feasibility study has been initiated to investigate the production of ethanol from native prairie species. A GIS project has been set up to assist in the development of a comprehensive watershed plan for the Pembina River Basin. Two projects have been set up to accelerate the planting of native grass species on CRP acreage.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

A major strategy recommended to reduce potential sedimentation from lacustrine soils is to increase the practice of conservation tillage on those soils. This research and education program was designed to evaluate these practices using a paired watershed technique. Runoff sediment, phosphorous, chemical-oxygen demanding materials (COD), and nitrogen losses into surface tiles were low. Maximum annual runoff (28.0 mm) was less than 5% of annual precipitation. The maximum 3-yr cumulative pollutant losses were 138 kg/hectare (ha) sediment, 20 kg/ha COD, 363 kg/ha total phosphorous, 205 kg/ha dissolved molybdate reactive phosphorous, 1.3 kg/ha dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and 1.1 kg/ha nitrate-nitrogen. Ponding reduced sediment losses and associate particulate phosphorous and COD losses. Maintaining surface residue cover above 10% (no till-chisel system) reduced pollutant losses in surface runoff compared to conventional system (chisel-moldboard) 2-8 times. Using a crop residue system, soybean yield was reduced 0.1 mg/ha though this small yield reduction is not economically significant. There were no tillage effects on corn yield.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Sandra J. Dunn

Dept of Ag

90 W. Plato Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55107

Phone: (651) 297-2133

Fax: (651) 297-5176

Results located at web address: http://www.mda.state.mn.us

Appropriation added by the 1997 Legislature to the LCMR Recommendations

Mercury is extremely toxic to humans and animals. This project  removed mercury manometers from dairy farms and replace them with safer bourdon tube vacuum gauges. Mercury will be subsequently removed and recycled. Dairy farms having mercury manometers were identified and placed on a list for eventual manometer replacement.  Through the efforts of dairy farmers, dealers and inspectors, 1,550 mercury manometers were identified and 1,353 were replaced with non-mercury gauges.  This effort removed 1,134 lbs of mercury from the environment - at little cost to participating producers.  Through contracts with the selected recycling company, the manometers and mercury were disposed of and recycled in an environmentally safer manner.  

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/01

Kirby Kiefer

FIRE/EMS Center-Metropolitan State Univ.

1450 Energy Park Dr., Suite 100B

St. Paul MN 55108-5218

Phone: (651)649-5412

Fax: (651)649-5409

E-mail: kkiefer@fire_center.tec.mn.us

This project identified and quantified airborne emissions from fire department structural fire training exercises. The project estimated that there were 292 fire service-training exercises permitted by the DNR in 1997 and about 90 without permits. The project estimated the quantities of major substances released annually by such exercises to be:

Carbon Dioxide 7,875,000 pounds         Carbon Monoxide 262,500 pounds

Water 3,937,500 pounds                         Hydrocarbons 105,000 pounds

Particulates 262,500 pounds                  Nitrogen Oxides 15,700 pounds

Analysis disclosed that all target substances were below acceptable atmospheric thresholds. This study advocates the use of hotter fires in training exercises to reduce visible smoke and other pollutants at ground level. Furthermore, removal of electrical switches and thermostats would reduce sources of mercury from the site.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project developed programs which provide the training and technical assistance needed for industrial employees to play a positive role in fostering pollution prevention in Minnesota. Curricula for 8 and 40-hour training sessions have been developed along with background training materials to support the training sessions. A list of companies whose workers could potentially participate in the training has been compiled.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Statement of Objectives: To enhance the ability of local governments to make natural resource decisions (such as land use, zoning and permitting) that are appropriate to the natural resources of their communities.

Overall Project Results: Six projects were funded:

1. Olmsted County/City of Rochester ($40,500)--Groundwater Recharge Management Areas—Mapped groundwater recharge and discharge areas, prepared design models and planning and zoning controls to protect groundwater resources.
2. Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District ($25,000)—Integration of natural resources information for use by the four townships surrounding the City of Bemidji and training in its use was accomplished by this project.
3. Douglas County ($37,500)—GIS mapping of lakeshore bluffs, wetlands and sensitive areas was accomplished, local staff and officials trained in its use in plat approval process and changes to local ordinances are underway.
4. Scott Soil and Water Conservation District ($10,000)—Created a team of county and soil and water conservation district professionals—Development in Review Team or "DIRT" to address issues and concerns of individuals planning to develop land in Scott County. All proposers of development have the opportunity to meet simultaneously with all the staff to work through all natural resource issues related to their development proposals.
5. City of Savage ($21,380)—Completed and adopted a Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Program for all jurisdictional wetlands in the city.
6. Rock County ($5725)—Included natural resource information and set goals for management and protection of natural resources in Rock County as part of the County’s update of its "Land Management Plan".

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Minnesota’s agricultural land preservation programs, make recommendations for necessary statutory amendments and programmatic improvements to increase program effectiveness, and identify and quantify fiscal impacts of "rural sprawl." This evaluation concluded that that the Minnesota Agricultural Land Preservation Program should be refocused and strengthened to serve areas of the state with the highest need; that the solvency of the funding system for the statewide program and the Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves Program is important for local landowners and governments; and that opportunities for the use of transfer of development rights and purchase of development rights should be investigated and pursued. The study confirms previous studies showing that new residential development is more advantageous when in occurs within established urbanized areas than when it occurs in outlying undeveloped rural areas.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Michael Pressman

1000 Friends of Minnesota

370 Selby Ave., Suite 300

St. Paul, MN 55102

Phone: 651/312-1000

Fax: 651/312-0012

This program provides a new, environmentally sound land-use planning approach for city and county planners based on adapting Holistic Resource Management concepts and principles for decision-making, visioning, and goal setting. This project provides for the development of new models for land-use planning in Washington and Chisago Counties, two of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota. An inventory, plan, and maps for a permanently protected green corridor in Chisago and Washington Counties have been developed. Draft Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) ordinance for Washington County and a Transfer of Development Rights Conceptual plan for Chisago County have been developed as well as a TDR/PDR feasibility analysis for the City of Afton. Research on open space financing options was carried out for local governments. Acreage totaling 531 acres was protected by the Minnesota Land Trust. Educational materials were created and distributed along with 110 meetings that reached nearly 4000 people.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

The Mississippi corridor from Plymouth Avenue to the Minneapolis city limits were studied and a master plan developed addressing greenspace and trail development, riverbank restoration, and stimulation of river-oriented land uses. Connections to adjacent neighborhoods and parks, as well as the potential relocation of inappropriate functions currently located along the river, were also explored.

The planning effort started with a data inventory and an examination of previous planning studies of the study area. Three alternative concepts for land use and park development were then prepared and presented for public input and comment. Public input opportunities included eight large public open houses, over 30 small group discussion sessions, a comment call-in line, a website, the dissemination of six newsletters to a mailing list of over 1000, and the placement of public comment workbooks at locations within the study area. Additional presentations were made to public officials and meetings sponsored by other interested organizations. Through this public input process, together with an extensive economic benefit analysis of each concept, a single preferred option was selected. Recommendations were also set forth for phasing, funding sources, and the establishment of a development corporation for implementation. 

Public and agency involvement in the preparation of the final plan was extensive and in itself had a significant educational component. The final Master Plan report, entitled Above the Falls, has been published and disseminated to readily-accessible locations, such as libraries and community centers, for public inspection. The report also appears on the City of Minneapolis Website at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/citywork/ planning/index.html. Implementation of the plan will follow through hearings and adoption by the Minneapolis Planning Commission and City Council, application for Regional Park status for the park components of the plan, formation of the recommended development corporation, and fund-raising. Further public input will occur through many of these activities and as specific components of the plan approach implementation.

COMPLETION DATE:6/30/00

This project: 1) promoted transformation of the current rural land development process and design patterns aimed at preventing flooding and storm water runoff quality degradation and 2) preserved habitat biodiversity and traditional land design patterns through the development of new watershed-based, environmentally sensitive land design model codes and design guides. A model cluster code has been developed and tested. Potential changes to statutes and laws that might be useful in supplementing remedies offered by better subdivision regulations have been identified. Illustrative design guides have been prepared to instruct users in the appropriate design and review of new subdivisions to meet model standards and code language requirements.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Miller Creek Joint Powers Board Chair

650 U.S. Bank Place

Duluth, MN 55802

Phone: (218) 727-7437

Fax: (218) 727-1770

The Miller Creek Restoration Project funding provided resources to increase the level of education and interest in protecting the natural reproducing trout population in the Miller Creek Watershed (MCW). The middle reaches of the MCW contain the largest retail center in the Duluth area. 

Concurrently with the restoration project, the NRRI received part of the LCMR grant funds to create a model to estimate development impacts on Miller Creek. 

The JPB between Hermantown and Duluth was formed as a requirement for accepting the LCMR grant. At the direction of the member cities, the Joint Powers Agreement forming the JPB only related to implementing the LCMR grant. 

Stream restoration projects completed with the LCMR grant to improve trout habitat include the following:

• Removal of a defunct road bridge abutment to improve flow.
• Tree planting in the flood plain for shading for trout habitat
• Easement creation and engineering design for an in-stream sediment trap behind the Miller Mall.

The in-stream sediment trap could not be completed due to logistical problems. However, the JPB intends to pursue funding for eventual completion of the sediment trap. 

NRRI Accomplishments

The Natural Resources Research Institute has been interested in providing technical leadership in water quality protection in the Duluth area. The NRRI used LCMR grant funds to model stormwater runoff volumes and pollutant concentrations in Miller Creek. 

The NRRI hopes to continue research relating to temperature impacts to Miller Creek from impervious areas.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Emmons and Olivier Resources

3825 Lake Elmo Ave. N.

Lake Elmo, MN 55402

Phone: (651) 770-8448

Fax: (651) 770-2552

Appropriation added by the 1997 Legislature to the LCMR Recommendations

The objective of the project is to protect the lower reaches of Browns Creek, a DNR Designated Trout Stream. A feasiblity study has been concluded summarizing the physical/biological conditions of the area, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, and potential environmental impacts of the project. Project planning has been completed. Results from construction are pending completion of the project but will include the creation of a system of interconnected wetlands, infiltration ponds and vegetated overflow swales.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

This project interprets what the results of a comparative risk analysis of the Minnesota Children’s Pesticide Exposure Study (MCPES) data mean to human health. The report includes: 1) a summary of the methods used for exposure estimation, toxicity evaluation, and risk calculation; 2) the results of health risk assessment for individual chemicals and for multiple chemicals, using several approaches for combining exposure or risk; and 3) a discussion of the limitations of the analysis and what can be learned from the study. The objective of the MCPES were to: 1) evaluate children’s exposures to environmental contaminants, both individually and in combinations; 2) evaluate the relative significance of exposure pathways (i.e. ingestion, inhalation) for children; and 3) compare health risk posed by the chemicals studies. The goal of the MDH’s comparative risk analysis was to provide decision-makers with information necessary to establish policy and set priorities for directing resources to reduce children’s exposure to environmental contaminants. LCMR support expanded the number of chemicals that could be measured and compared, thereby allowing risks form pesticides to be put into perspective. Full report titled: "Comparative Risks for Multiple Chemical Exposure" is available from the Minnesota Department of Health.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Andrew Streitz

MPCA

520 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-7791

Fax: (651)296-9707

Results located at web address: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/groundwater/metromodel.html

This project is an additional appropriation to improve and refine the metropolitan groundwater model (Metro model) begun during the 1995-97 biennium (ML95 Chap. 220 Sec. 19 Subd. 8(g).) Geologic and hydrogeologic databases have been assembled and developed to support the Metro Model. Databases and maps have been distributed through CD-ROM and Internet to government scientists and private consultants. The Metro Model has been used in modeling Superfund and tank leak sites.

11/03/00: Project Update:

Metro Model staff are pleased to announce that major revisions and additions have been made to the Metro Model website.  

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project prepared a biologically sound and socially acceptable management plan for Minnesota wolves, with extensive public involvement, for implementation when Minnesota wolves are removed from the federal Endangered Species list. A series of 12 public information meetings were held around the state to gauge public concerns. A wolf round table was also convened on eight different days and consisted of representatives from a variety of agencies and interest groups. A package of consensus recommendations was determined and turned over to the DNR for incorporation into the state’s wolf management plan. Wolf population survey data has been collected with data analysis in progress. A final wolf management plan has been completed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $100,000

Henry Quade

MN River Basin Joint Powers Bd (MRBJPB)

MSU 70, P.O. Box 8400

Mankato MN 56002-8400

Phone: (507)389-5492

Fax: (507)389-5493

E-mail: water@vax1.mankato.msus.edu

Results located at web address: http://mrbdc.mankato.msus.edu

The Minnesota River Basin Natural Resource Data Project has developed a centralized resource center to assist environmental managers in the acquisition of data for the 1208 minor watersheds within the 37 counties of the Minnesota River Basin. This resource will provide up-to-date information for decision making and future watershed planning in the Minnesota River Basin. Access to information about the Minnesota River is provided through the Minnesota River Basin Data Center website. GIS coverages have been made available for the 12 major watersheds of the basin. Each major watershed contains 26 ARC/INFO coverages; 26 ArcView shape files; 26 data dictionaries, and 26 metadata documents. The database is used to provide and update local, state, and federal watershed summaries. One feature of the database has been used to create the web pages including 1183 minor watershed summaries, 1183 local inventories, 11 state inventories, 11 federal inventories, and 27 contact directories. Cooperative efforts between local, state, and federal organizations facilitate maintenance of the database.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $88,000

Eric Sorensen

City of Winona

P.O. Box 378

Winona MN 55987

Phone: 507/457-8234

Fax: 506/457-8212

E-mail: esorense@cityhall.luminet.net

This project provides GIS capabilities to the City of Winona for natural and semi-natural areas within and surrounding Winona (33,000 acres). The GIS consists of three user-friendly models. The Land Use Development and Natural Resource Protection model (LUDANPro) is used to assess proposed developments looking at infrastructure issues and high value issues (viewshed and appearance of area bluffs). Winona Property Inquiry (WinPropinq) allows for quick retrieval of property-related records. Emergency Routing (EmeRt) can be used in optimal routing of emergency vehicles. A pamphlet describing the system’s capabilities is being distributed to all Minnesota cities and counties.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project researched the most cost-effective methods to produce a modern GIS digital database from county soil surveys in the 42 counties with category 2 maps. This involved the exploration of various techniques for converting category 2 soil surveys into a product suitable for digitizing. To test these various methods, soil surveys for Becker County were digitized this biennium. Soil scientists and GIS specialists at the University of Minnesota and the Natural Resources Conservation Service checked results from this work. The quality review verified that the method produces a digital data product that meets national map accuracy standards.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $130,000

Kevin Scheidecker

BWSR

900 Washington Street

Preston MN 55965-9511

Phone: (507)765-3879

Fax: (507)765-2243

The purpose of this project is to begin the multi-year process of updating the Fillmore County Soil Survey. Development of a legend is progressing with completion of a summary of the 15-20 major map units. Production mapping of the area will soon begin at a scale of 1:12,000. Soils will be examined to depths of at least 80 inches and soil boundaries will be compiled on an orthophotographic basemap.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Beth Nodland and Rhoda R. Gilman

Institute for MN Archaeology (IMA)

287 E. 6^th St., Suite 260

Minneapolis MN 55101

Phone: (651) 848-0095

Fax: (651) 848-0096

E-mail: ima@imnarch.org

The goal of this project is to enhance and distribute a body of unpublished and unavailable regional archaeological information that has been assembled over the last twenty years in Minnesota. "Enhancing Public Access to Archaeological Knowledge" focused on three areas of Minnesota along the Mississippi River: the Headwaters region, the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and the Red Wing locality. This project launched a unique public resource that presents archeological data to audiences worldwide. The website provides real data to those seeking knowledge of Minnesota cultural history, agency staff and site managers, local museums and heritage societies and students working on research projects.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project assists municipal utilities in planning and implementing sustainable renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Two projects have been developed with Marshall Municipal Utilities: the Managed Lighting Retrofit Program and the Air Conditioning Rebate and Design Program. Moorhead has been identified as a case study site to look at the steps required to bring wind generation to small communities. Other projects will involve the evaluation of dispersed generation and load management techniques to control rising purchased power costs and the development of a renewables training center to train workers in service skills required in the renewables industry.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Richard Szydlowski

Center for Energy & Environment

211 N. 1^st St., Suite 445

Minneapolis MN 55401

Phone: (612)335-5862

Fax: (612)335-5888

E-mail: rszydlowski@mncee.org

Results located at web address: http://www.mncee.org

This project demonstrates cost-effective applications of renewable energy technologies in state parks. The focus is on technologies that are commercially available and have been successfully implemented as part of demonstration projects in other public spaces, including photovoltaics, wind generators, alternative fuel vehicles, and passive solar systems, as well as energy efficient technologies. A total of 44 renewable energy applications have been assessed in 20 different state parks. Six applications are currently in operation including PV powered pumps, lights, an electric fence, and a toilet ventilation fan. Signs and other educational materials are being designed for all systems that have been installed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

This project evaluated the environmental impacts and benefits of alfalfa production for electrical power generation. Research shows that alfalfa fields managed under aggressive soil conservation practices generate 1.6 times more runoff than similarly managed corn-soybean fields but produces half the sediment. Alfalfa was found to release more biological-oxygen demanding materials, bioavailable phosphorous, and ammonium nitrogen to snowmelt runoff. Chemical analysis indicates that carbon is a major component of alfalfa fly ash and that the ash could serve as a potential source of potassium for use in potassium-deficient soils and as a limiting agent for acid soils.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Results located at web address: http://www.windustry.com

With this appropriation, the Sustainable Resources Center (SRC) provided information and technical assistance encouraging economically viable wind energy development in small dispersed cluster projects through orderly and sustainable community development practices. The program sponsored a series of planned events such as a wind energy festival that produced very good turnouts. Several town meetings were also held that reached 400 farmers and rural landowners in spring of 1999 to provide information on wind rights and negotiating wind easement contracts with wind developers.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Results located at web address: http://www.yellowbikes.org

This appropriation funded a project to The Yellow Bike Coalition to expand and develop a bicycle recycling and transportation program in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Houston County. At the completion of the project, 645 bikes were deployed in the metro area. Another 600+ were broken down for useable parts thus saving these bikes from the landfills. A total of 189 bikes were deployed from 17 metro hubs while 245 bikes were given to groups and individuals. Another 177 bikes were loaned to eight groups. The program has attracted interest from the City of Minneapolis which has provided for funding to provide bikes in low-income neighborhoods.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

With this appropriation, the Sustainable Resources Center (SRC), Minnesota State Horticultural Society (MSHS), and the Duluth Community Garden Program cooperated to provide information and technical assistance to encourage ecologically-sound home landscape plantings and maintenance, beautification, and reclamation of lands through community gardening and sustainable community development. The program provided 1700 people with the opportunity to learn about environmentally safe landscaping, consult with landscaping professionals, and visit designed plantings of Minnesota species. Technical advice was provided to 598 community gardens along with 18,900 seed packets and $400,000 of in-kind plant donations. 110 public events were held on a variety of topics. Newsletters from the cooperating organizations were sent out to over 3100 households. The groups held several events to connect urban food consumers with farmers using sustainable methods.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Results located at web address: http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us

The project determined if current measures of economic activity provide accurate and sufficient information for decision-makers to support policies that promote the long-term prosperity in Minnesota. Based on the premise that prosperity consists of no less than the economic, environmental, and community systems of a place, the project investigates the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) as an alternative to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross State Product (GSP) and develop a Minnesota-specific GPI for use by Minnesota policy makers and citizens. A literature review on indicators and performance measures and a review of state measures of GSP have been completed. A total of 209 candidate GPI indicators have been identified and are being assessed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Appropriation added by the 1997 Legislature to the LCMR Recommendations

In order to make biodiesel fuel commercially viable, year-round tests with significant mileage must be conducted in cold climates to prove that adverse weather conditions will not affect soy-based diesel fuel or engines and to prove that biodiesel will function year-round in cold climate states. This project includes four biodiesel-fueled vehicles and two petroleum-fueled vehicles as controls, operating for approximately 16 months. Arrangements have been made with Hennepin County and the University of Minnesota Center for Diesel Research to cooperate in the study and provide equipment and training. During the course of the study, no differences in vehicle performance have been noted.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Gary Deason

St. Olaf College

1520 St. Olaf Ave.

Northfield MN 55057-

Phone: (507)646-3908

Fax: (507)646-3930

E-mail: deason@stolaf.edu

Results located at web address: http://www.stolaf.edu/other/snap/index.html

This appropriation enabled the School Nature Area Project (SNAP) to create partnerships between higher education institutions in three Minnesota biomes and K-12 schools in each of these regions. The partnerships employed resources of the colleges and universities to educate teachers about regional ecology and native species enhancement as the teachers plan and develop their own school nature areas. The program supported the development of 29 school projects (5,672 students) involving native plantings or other wildlife habitat enhancement. 31 additional projects have been awarded for 1999-2000. Three regional eco-demonstration sites were established on college campuses as models for restoration projects. Eleven separate teacher workshop events were also supported which provide training to 300 teachers on the development of school nature areas.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

RESEARCH PROJECT

The Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) has developed a watershed science program that integrates research and public education. A monitor station network has been set up on Valley Creek and its tributaries and over 300 water samples have been taken and analyzed. GIS analysis of the watershed is complete and watershed and groundwater models have been developed to assess the impact of urbanization on the hydrology of the region. A computer-based tutorial about Minnesota watersheds has been developed so that visitors to the SMM can use GIS to explore watersheds of personal interest. Educational collaborations have been set up with two area high schools.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Tracy Fredin

Hamline University

1536 Hewitt Ave.

St. Paul MN 55104

Phone: (651)523-3105

Fax: (651)523-2987

E-mail: tfredin@gw.hamline.edu

The Minnesota Frog Watch project combined statewide monitoring of frogs as indicators of environmental health with a statewide, multi-media, and interdisciplinary environmental education project for youth and families in formal and non-formal education settings. Over 26,000 newsletters, monitoring surveys, and posters have been distributed to over 120,000 people and institutions statewide. Over 4000 copies of two different educator activity guides and 25 resource learning kits have been distributed impacting over 125,000 students. An award-winning website was designed and visted 250,000 times. Events and exhibits throughout the state have impacted over 500,000 people. Over one hundred individuals were trained for the Minnesota Frog and Toad Survey. Almost 300 reports of malformed frogs were collected and passed on to the MPCA

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Teachers, students, and administrators at up to 20 Minneapolis schools will partner with Eco Education to carry out environmental service learning projects in the schools’ neighborhoods. A total of 32 teachers (combined classes of 890 students) from 12 schools have been trained in the methods of environmental service learning. Eleven minigrants were granted to student groups wanting to start projects. These projects ranged from planting trees and gardens to air quality testing. A manual for integrating environmental service learning has been reviewed and will be made available to school districts throughout the state. The program has been assessed by the Wilder Research Center and has resulted in improvements in the manual to better assess what the students are getting from the program.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Greg Lais

Wilderness Inquiry

808 14th Avenue SE

Minneapolis MN 55414

Phone: (612)676-9400

Fax: (612)676-9401

E-mail: glais@aol.com

Results located at web address: http://www.wildernessinquiry.org

With this appropriation, Wilderness Inquiry worked cooperatively with over 3500 students, parents, and teachers in 6-12 Minnesota school districts to provide program development assistance in both environmental education and inclusive education for students of all abilities, with an emphasis on serving students with disabilities and people of color. The program provided inclusive environmental classroom instruction for 2,113 elementary students in nine school districts and intensive leadership training to 375 high school students. It also involved 2,916 individuals in workshops, weekend adventures, and extended trips. Sixteen service projects in nine school districts were initiated.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

13(f) $100,000 TF

Larry Johnson

Stowe Environmental Elementary School

715 - 101st Ave. West

Duluth MN 55808

Phone: (218)626-2731

Fax: (218)626-1969

This project represents a partnership of schools, communities, and agencies working to create a model of environmental service learning based upon the application of environmental education principles. Through this partnership, a team of elementary classroom educators, students, cooperating agencies, community members and project staff worked together to implement service learning projects that incorporate principles and concepts found in the GreenPrint for Minnesota. The program has involved 600 students and 22 educators. Partnerships were formed between 10 agencies (city, state, federal, private, citizen, and higher education) to create an avenue for service to the environment and community and provide resources for integrating environmental education into the classroom. A guide was created outlining the process that the Stowe Environmental Elementary School followed to integrate environmental education with service to the environment and community.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

13(g) $100,000 TF

Nonstate Match $20,000

Tim Cook

International Wolf Center

1396 Highway 169

Ely MN 55731

Phone: 218/365-4695 ext.23

Fax: 218/365-3318